Peter Mayhew 'back as Chewbacca'

Peter Mayhew is reportedly set to return to the role of Chewbacca in Star Wars: Episode VII.

The original cast member was introduced as the Wookiee in the first Star Wars film in 1977, which later became Episode IV - A New Hope, and according to The Hollywood Reporter will be rejoining for the latest movie.

Rumours surfaced that Peter would be playing Chewbacca again when he cancelled an appearance at Texas convention Comicpalooza "due to filming", and now a source has told The Hollywood Reporter that he has been cast.

The rest of the cast has not been announced yet, but it's thought other original actors including Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher will also be back, and that Adam Driver will play a villain.

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by JJ Abrams and picks up 30 years after the events of Return Of The Jedi. It is due to begin filming in May for a December 2015 release date.

Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger hinted in March: "There will be some very familiar faces along with a trio of new young leads."

In April, Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn added of the cast: "We have a lot of them [in place]. We're just not completely done yet."

Peter also played Chewbacca in The Empire Strikes Back, Return Of The Jedi and Revenge Of The Sith.